Breastfeeding

Promotion & Support

Breastfeeding and Obesity Prevention

In 2003, CDC initiated the State Nutrition and Physical Activity Programs to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases. This federal funding supports state health departments in developing and implementing evidence-based nutrition and physical activity interventions. Breastfeeding promotion is a mandated program area for participating states, with other mandated program areas emphasizing balanced caloric intake and expenditure, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, increased physical activity, and reduced television time.

For more information on breastfeeding promotion as a strategy for reducing childhood overweight, diabetes, and asthma, read Attachment 6 in the HHS Resource Guide for Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases [PDF-549k].
Does Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Pediatric Overweight? [PDF-1.3Mb]
The health of American children is being threatened by overweight and the conditions that may stem from this problem, such as elevated serum lipid and insulin concentrations, elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and psychosocial problems. This Research to Practice (R2P) brief explores the relationship between breastfeeding and pediatric overweight. In addition to the practitioner's scientific review, newborn infant Crib Cards are being offered, that can be used by hospitals for recording newborn's vital information and help parents make this important infant feeding decision at the pertinent time.

The CDC Guide To Breastfeeding Interventions

Released in 2005, The CDC Guide To Breastfeeding Interventions provides guidance in selecting promising breastfeeding promotion and support activities that fall within one of two categories:

Evidence-based interventions
- Maternity care practices
- Support for breastfeeding in the workplace
- Peer support
- Educating mothers
- Professional support
- Media and social marketing
Interventions whose effectiveness has not been established
- Countermarketing and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Code
- Professional education
- Public acceptance
- Hotlines and other information resources

Using "Loving Support" To Build A Breastfeeding-Friendly Community

CDC awarded a contract to the Academy for Educational Development (AED) for the purpose of developing and providing training and technical assistance to states that are among those that received funding to develop a Nutrition and Physical Activity Program to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases. The training and technical assistance is based on the "Using Loving Support to Create a Breastfeeding Friendly Community" curriculum. This curriculum uses a social marketing approach and will provide states with skills and resources.

To learn more, visit USDA's Loving Support Program.

Lactation Support Programs in Federal Workplaces

In 1996, CDC launched a Lactation Support Program for pregnant and nursing employees nationwide. Hundreds of employees have participated in the program, with a large percentage of mothers successfully breastfeeding for longer than 6 months.
The lactation support program provides the following:

Breastfeeding Classes. A 2- hour class for expectant employees and their partners providing instruction, information and educational materials.
Breastfeeding Counseling. A board-certified lactation consultant is available for unlimited telephone and email counseling from the time the baby is born until nursing ceases.
Return to work Consultation. An individual session at the work site approximately two weeks before returning to work covering tips and suggestions for making breastfeeding and working easier.
Electric Breast Pump. A Medela double pump is provided at the work site in special lactation rooms.
Lactation Rooms. Provided for the exclusive use of breastfeeding employees to express milk during the work day. Rooms are equipped with the breast pump, comfortable chair, table, nursing stool, telephone, refrigerator, and cleaning supplies.
Breastfeeding Discussion Groups. Three onsite forums each year to invite open discussion by breastfeeding mothers to share information and best practices.

For more information about Lactation Support in the Workplace, visit CDC's Healthier Worksite Initiative Lactation Support Program.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign

In June 2004, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health and the Ad Council launched a national campaign encouraging first-time mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months. With the tag line: "Babies were born to be breastfed," the campaign is targeting the general population. CDC is working closely with the Office on Women's Health and partner agencies to evaluate the impact of the campaign.

For more information about the National Breastfeeding Awareness campaign, visit: